Smoke Signals

AllMusic Review
by Francis Arres

While adding member Howard Gillam on Smoke Signals, Point Line Plane seem to have pulled back a bit on the noise/dance-punk of their 2003 raucous self-titled release. The repetitive Shellac-y/Liars-type rhythms still exist on the album with tracks like "Smoke Signals," "Descender," and "D.R.U.G.," but Point Line Plane seem to be at their best when they create dramatic, eerie scapes, sounding like that of Metal Box/Second Edition-era Public Image Limited, especially on tracks "B.U.G.S." and "The Messenger." The production seems to make the whole record a bit light and distant, diminishing the passion that lies underneath. Live performances from Point Line Plane might prove to be a different story, but it may be hard to imagine given the production of Smoke Signals.